A quick update to let everyone know I moved into my apartment last night. I could almost write a book about what I’ve been through the last two days, to get in the front door. For now, I’m very busy teaching and what little time I have, I’m gathering up the basics to have at least a marginally functional apartment.

Until I get internet service, my postings will be light as the only connection I have is at work and I have little time to compose anything. Tonight, Saturday, the office closes early so I have a bit of time. I am so happy to get out of that hotel and unpack my suitcases after almost three weeks. I use to- used to- think that living in a hotel was fun. I’m cured of that notion, once and for all.

I bought an iron/ironing board today, so tonight’s activity will include plenty of ironing. I never thought I would actually bother to write about something so incredibly mundane, yet I want to look as professional as possible for teaching and the rumpled look just doesn’t do it. I will also attempt to wash clothes in the washing machine in my apartment. It’s a “front loader” and has lots of dials and buttons, all in Chinese. Wish me luck that the door won’t open mid-way through or for that matter, to get the thing to operate as intended.

Nevertheless, now that I have a place to call my own, I now feel much more grounded and some of my most pressing issues (ironing aside) have gone by the wayside. Establishing a new life in a new country isn’t as easy as I had thought. Of course, plenty of readers would ask: ‘Why would you even have such a notion.”  I don’t know, actually. Anyway, as Rachel Maddow is fond of saying: “Watch this space.”